The two-year Master’s programme in Water Science and Management at Utrecht University will give you an in-depth understanding of modern water management techniques and water policies from a sustainable development perspective. You will gain an understanding of water’s role with regard to humanity and nature as well as the societal impact of interventions in the water cycle.

About

Water management in a wider context

The programme integrates knowledge from natural and social sciences as a response to emerging needs in the field. Trends such as sustainable development, stakeholder participation, and economic accountability increasingly complicate the tasks of water managers. This has given rise to a need for water managers with a broad societal focus on water management issues, operating next to and in cooperation with more traditional and technical water managers.

A natural sciences background, the ability to work well as part of a team, and a passion for water management will help you succeed in this programme. The Water Science and Management programme is an excellent choice for you if you are interested in both the scientific analysis of the water system, and the application of water science in integrated and complex societal problems that occur in contemporary water management.

What will you learn?

Through scientific knowledge and real-life cases, you will learn about topics such as hydrological processes, climate change, water footprinting, cost reduction, health aspects, and water safety. You will also explore technical developments such as membrane technology, water/energy combinations, and water cycle management. The programme combines academic knowledge of natural sciences and technical water management options with process and project skills, culminating in a research internship at a water management organisation.

Choose your angle

Depending on your undergraduate education and interests, you can apply for one of two tracks and specialise in an Environmental Sciences or Earth Sciences profile.

Programme objective

The Water Science and Management programme at Utrecht University trains you to be a water professional with both an understanding of the technical aspects of water management and the ability to implement this knowledge with an eye for societal needs. You will learn to view water management in light of sustainable development, taking into account the functions that water fulfils for humanity and nature, and you will consider technical innovations in view of societal costs and benefits.

As a graduate of this programme, you will have a solid background in water science and the ability to apply this knowledge.

Accreditation

Accredited by the NVAO

Programme Structure

Tracks

Environmental sciences

The Environmental Sciences profile focuses on sustainable development. The substantial difference in the programme is limited to one course. As an Environmental Sciences student, you will acquire extra training in methods of sustainability science.

You will earn a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences that will indicate that you followed the Water Science and Management Master’s programme.

Earth sciences

In the Earth Sciences profile, you will focus on water systems. The substantial difference in the programme is limited to one course. As an Earth Sciences student, you will acquire extra training in water systems by choosing one elective out of two relevant water science courses.

You will earn a Master’s degree in Earth Sciences that will indicate that you followed the Water Science and Management Master’s programme.

English Language Requirements

You only need to take one of these language tests:

Minimum required score: 6.5

The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

The TOEFL – or Test Of English as a Foreign Language – offers an internet-based test (iBT). The final, overall iBT score ranges between 0 and 120, and includes a scaled average from the four components (reading, listening, speaking, and writing). Read more about TOEFL (iBT).

Academic Requirements

The programme Water Science and Management is open to students with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject (e.g. earth sciences, natural sciences, physics, chemistry, physical geography, civil or environmental engineering, applied mathematics), or a degree from a University College.

Proof of your proficiency in English (CAE- Level B, CPC- Grade C).

Tuition Fee Per Year

EUR 18201 International

EUR 2006 EU/EEA

Funding

Scholarships, fellowships, and grants offered by Utrecht University, the Dutch government, and other organisations can help fund your studies at the university. Please note that the scholarship options for programmes starting in February are limited.

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